Oily hair can be annoying, especially if it looks greasy just a few hours after washing. An oily scalp leads to oily hair, which not only makes the hair look unclean but also heavy. The key method to control oil production without drying out your scalp is to choose the right shampoo for your hair.
The best shampoos for oily hair are formulated to help remove the buildup of excess sebum, for deep cleaning, and leave hair feeling fresher for longer. However applying the wrong product can dry your scalp of its natural oils, causing it to produce even more oil as your scalp overcompensates.
Choosing a shampoo with formulas such as clarifying, oil-control, or volumizing is the right way to remove excess oil. Ingredients such as tea tree oil, charcoal, and salicylic acid work to dissolve oil and help maintain balance in your scalp.
Many Kiwis prefer to stay away from really thick, moisturizing shampoos that have silicones or sulphates because they can leave a residue on your hair and make your hair look greasier. If you are worried about what should you buy next time while shopping for shampoo, here we have a few recommendations.
Top 6 Shampoo For Oily Hair Available in New Zealand
#1:- Aveeno Range Shampoos
Aveeno is known for its wide selection of effective hair care products and has some great options within its shampoos to manage oily hair. The shampoo comes with many natural ingredients such as oat extract, apple cider vinegar, and rosemary that help balance the scalp while removing excess oil and buildup.
The Apple Cider Vinegar Blend version of the Shampoo is a great option for oily hair, which also gives a gentle clarifying without stripping away moisture. Aveeno’s shampoos are Sulfate-free and the ingredients deeply cleanse while maintaining scalp balance, making them suitable for daily, or frequent, washing.
Another popular variant is the Fresh Greens Blend Shampoo, which adds both refreshing and volumizing properties. Its ingredients include rosemary, peppermint and cucumber which is another excellent pick for natural shampoo lovers.
The natural formula without sulphate banishes excess grease without weighing hair down, so hair feels breezy clean and revived. If you’d like a gentle, nature-inspired solution to oily hair, try any of their shampoos.
Aveeno Range shampoos are available in almost all the Supermarkets across New Zealand including PAK’nSAVE, New World, Woolworths and in a majority of Pharmacies.
#2:- Neutrogena T/Gel Shampoo
Neutrogena T/Gel Shampoo is a great option if you have oily hair and scalp problems, including everyday buildup and dandruff. With coal tar extract as its active ingredient, this product helps control excess oil production.
It has deep-cleansing capability, which breaks down grease and impurities without over-drying the scalp, making it perfect for anyone who struggles with oily hair.
The formula is potent enough to clarify the hair well but gentle enough to be used weekly or as needed, depending on your scalp. Very useful for those with scalps that tend to get oily quickly, making hair limp and greasy just days after washing.
Since coal tar continues to work after you rinse, this shampoo offers long-lasting relief from both oiliness and irritation. If you’re searching for a dermatologist-tested solution to reduce oil buildup and completely cleanse oily hair, this is a great option to try.
You will find this shampoo in almost all local supermarkets and big Pharmacies such as Chemist Warehouse, Bargain Chemist etc.
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#3:- Hask Argan Oil Repairing Shampoo
The third one on our list is the Hask Argan Oil Repairing Shampoo. This shampoo combines argan oil with cleansing properties for lightweight hydration, perfect for oily roots and dry ends.
Hask’s shampoos also come without sulphates and parabens that help to provide a deep yet gentle cleanse. In doing so, it washes away oily build-up, pollutants and environmental debris without cutting down the hair’s natural moisture, leaving hair feeling clean and healthy.
Although some clarifying shampoos can leave hair feeling brittle, the nourishing properties of argan oil help keep hair soft and shiny without weighing it down. The lightweight formula also gives fullness, so it’s an ideal choice for thin, greasy hair types.
This product is rare in Supermarkets but available in Chemist Warehouse and Bargain Chemist Pharmacies.
#4:- Ethique Clarifying Shampoo Bar
If you’re looking for sustainable products that effectively clean your oily hair without using harmful chemicals, try the Ethique clarifying shampoo bar. Manufactured with natural ingredients such as lime, sweet orange, and peppermint, this solid shampoo bar can remove excess oil and buildup.
Unlike traditional liquid shampoos, it is also free from sulphates, silicones, and artificial fragrances and gently yet effectively restores balance to the scalp. The citrus and peppermint blend leaves the hair with an intensely cleansed feeling even after hours of washing.
Besides its cleansing properties, the Ethique Clarifying Shampoo Bar is a more eco-friendly option. It comes with natural packaging that eliminates plastic covering and bottles. It is gentle enough for sensitive scalps, yet effective in controlling excess oil production, and is both pH-balanced and made using plant-based ingredients.
If your oily hair desperately needs a sustainable, natural, and travel-friendly fix, we would recommend picking up the Ethique Clarifying Shampoo Bar.
We haven’t seen this product either in PacknSave or New World but available in Woolworths stores. You can also get this at a reduced price from Chemist Warehouse.
#5:- Sephora Detox Shampoo
Sephora Detox Shampoo is another great product available across New Zealand. It contains natural ingredients such as apple cider vinegar and spirulina, that help in removing excess hair oil. Its cleansing formula rebalances the hair, ensuring it feels light, clean and fresh.
This shampoo is also known for its scalp-clearing, grease-dissolving, and hair-strengthening capabilities. The apple cider vinegar helps dissolve extra sebum and spirulina brings in nutrients to strengthen the hair.
Additional oil production is managed more effectively, as the shampoo also helps ensure the result of more time in between washes, making it a perfect pick for those seeking to keep the oil from surfacing.
#6:- Herbal Essences Drama Clean Clarifying Shampoo
The last one on our list is the Herbal Essences Drama Clean Clarifying Shampoo. By including natural ingredients like citrus and green tea, this shampoo provides a deep cleanse while removing excess oil and dirt.
Its lightweight formula ensures that hair feels fresh and bouncy without being weighed down. Unlike some clarifying shampoos that can be overly harsh, Drama Clean maintains a gentle cleansing action, making it suitable for regular use without stripping the scalp of essential moisture.
In addition to its deep-cleansing benefits, Herbal Essences Drama Clean Shampoo leaves hair with a long-lasting fresh scent, thanks to its invigorating citrus fragrance.
The formula works to restore natural shine and volume, helping oily hair appear more vibrant and manageable. It’s also free from heavy silicones, ensuring that no residue is left behind to contribute to further oil buildup.
For those seeking a budget-friendly, effective, and refreshing shampoo to control oil and keep hair feeling light, Herbal Essences Drama Clean Clarifying Shampoo is a great choice.
What Kiwis Mostly Asked About Oily Hair?
Why does my hair get so oily so fast?
Your scalp naturally produces oils (sebum) that help keep your hair healthy, but things like overwashing, running your fingers through it too often, or hormonal changes can cause excess oil production.
How often should you wash your hair with an oily scalp?
For oily scalps, shampooing 1–2 times per week with a gentle, oil-balancing product can help minimize extra grease without over-drying your scalp.
Can you straighten oily hair?
Yes, you can straighten oil hair, but the heat can make it appear even greasier and cause product build-up on your straightener. Wash or use a dry shampoo before straightening.
Does brushing hair make it oily?
Brushing can also spread natural oils from your scalp down the hair shaft, causing it to look greasier, particularly if you brush more than you need to or use a dirty brush.
Can I dye my hair when it’s oily?
Indeed, slightly oily hair can help protect your scalp from irritation during the dyeing process, but too much oil buildup might even deter colour absorption.
Last modified: March 17, 2025
